The online conference "Destination - Leningrad Oblast" was held on February 16 in the Chamber. It was organized by Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation together with the Union "Leningrad Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry" and the Moscow International Trade Center.
Ilya Zubkov, director of the Department of Regional Development of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation for Tourism Entrepreneurship, opened the conference. He stressed that the Leningrad Region is one of the five most interesting places for recreation among Russians, the region has historical, cultural and natural potential, develops new tourist destinations, which positively affects the annual increase in tourist flow and the region's economy, so it is important to consider interesting and unusual approaches to the development of regional tourism.
Igor Muravyov, Executive Director of the Leningrad Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He said that the Leningrad Region has historically been a center of attraction for Russian citizens. Interest in the region has become especially relevant during the pandemic.
The presence of a huge number of rivers and lakes has always been an attraction for water tourism, both in kayaks and boats and yachts, although there are certain problems with parking and gas stations. Historical, ecotourism, industrial, gastronomic, in particular, the festival of smelt (koryushka) - sacred fish for the Region.
Hunting and fishing types of tourism are becoming very attractive due to the increase in the number of comfortable accommodations. We know this well, because the Leningrad Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducts a classification of accommodation facilities. We see how, despite the pandemic years, the number of such bases, campsites, rest houses is becoming more and more in the Leningrad region.
Igor Muravyov noted sports tourism and the development of ski resorts. Probably, our colleagues know that Igora Drive is certified for holding Formula 1 competitions, he said. Thanks to the balanced, correct decisions of the regional authorities, the tourism industry was the least affected in 2020-21.
In her speech, Maria Trubnikova, Director of the Department of International Business Cooperation and Public Relations of WTC Moscow, dwelled on the main trends and challenges that await the tourism industry in 2022. She stressed that the tourism market continues to gradually recover, however, experiencing the pressure of COVID restrictions. In 2022, experts predict that demand for domestic tourism will continue. Last year, the number of domestic travelers visiting different regions of Russia increased by 35 percent.
Summing up the results of the conference, Vice-President of the Union "Leningrad Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry" Elena Dyukareva emphasized that the tourism potential of the Leningrad Oblast is diverse and the region is ready to receive and pleasantly surprise travelers.
The broadcast recording can be viewed at the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpI5o24S3KU
Chamber Press Service on the basis of Information of the Department of Regional Development
